Christian certainty of hope is absolute; it totally depends on the cross-work of Jesus Christ.
Christians approach God through faith in Jesus’s qualification of us, and not our own. Because of God “you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord’” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). Put simply, through Jesus death and resurrection, every requirement of God has been fully satisfied. Therefore, in Christ, “we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him” (Ephesians 3:12).
Christian hope stands solid in the confidence of Jesus Christ. It does this by placing the outcome of present circumstances second to submitting to God’s long-term plans. This is only possible in a Christ-centered life. “This is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15). Realising that you are heard by God energises patience and humble expectations of Him.
The heart of hope
This is the very heart of absolute hope; we are unworthy, yet God responds to faith by accepting us in Christ. Confidence to approach God is now enabled without pride. Within the framework of God’s sovereign will, our prayers, which comply with that will, shall be answered. Satisfaction that our requests, which are within God’s will, shall accomplish His purpose for His glory in His time is realised.
Only with eternity in your heart can you affirm that “hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:5 NIV). The Holy Spirit confirms the validity of God’s Word by growing peace out of God’s love within you. Hope stands secure upon loving peace. Understanding God’s purposes helps in enabling you to accept the necessity of pain. This realisation empowers His security to wrap itself around your suffering.
Mindset changes perspective
By having a God centered mindset, you can place problems in a subservient place. Next, you can elevate God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to the highest position in your priorities. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Confidence in the Lord grows out of your knowledge of Him which is obtained from the Bible. Scripture elevates your God centered thoughts to the highest priority. This grows the environment within you to identify God’s grace which develops your perseverance. Meanwhile, God’s mercy provides the required resources you need to endure through times of trouble.
Romans chapter 12 offers possibly the most comprehensive explanation of applied hope. Notice the way in which the applications flow from hope. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends…” (Romans 12:12-19 NIV).
Today, I encourage you to choose hope which is absolute in Jesus Christ. Surrender to the Lord; turning to Him as your only Saviour.